Abbott called up for Cape Town Test

Kyle Abbott, the Dolphins fast bowler who took seven for 29 in his only Test against Pakistan last February, has been called up to the South Africa squad for the Cape Town Test against Australia. Abbott replaces Wayne Parnell, who will not recover from the groin strain he sustained during the second Test in time for the third Test. South Africa's other injury concern, Ryan McLaren, who missed the Port Elizabeth Test with concussion, is fully fit and available for selection.

South Africa have also retained Quinton de Kock as batting cover, even though Alviro Petersen's virus has cleared and have Rory Kleinveldt in the squad. With so much at their disposal, Abbott was taken aback with his inclusion and admitted he will be equally shocked if he makes the starting XI.

"I was surprised when I got the call. I thought with the make up of the side; they are looking for all-rounders," Abbott told ESPNcricinfo. "I've learnt quickly not to expect things. It's quite difficult sometimes because you hear a lot of chatter. I'm not expecting to play. Rory Klienveldt is also in the squad and I understand there is a pecking order. It's just an honour to be involved in the series decider."

Despite Abbott's impressive debut, when he played because of an injury to Jacques Kallis, finishing last season's first-class competition as the top wicket-taker with 49 scalps at 15.36 and this summer's domestic twenty-over tournament second on the charts with 16 wickets at 18.62, Abbott missed out on selection for the World T20 squad and a central contract. He did not let those two snubs get him down.

"I understand they've made cutbacks with the contracts," Abbott said. "I'm still young and I am only going to mature as a cricketer. If I'm not playing for South Africa, I'll still give the Dolphins all my commitment."

The Durban-based franchise have enjoyed one of their best seasons in recent memory, thanks to Abbott's form and the acquisition of Morne van Wyk from the Knights. They won the twenty-over cup - their first non-shared trophy since the franchise system was put in place in the 2004-05 summer - and were beaten in the playoff for the final of the one-day cup.

Abbott said he hasn't made any adjustments to his game and has instead concentrated on fine-tuning what he was already good at: swing. "Myself and Lance (Klusener, the Dolphins coach) have been working on the same things because I don't think you can change things and expect the same results," he said. "I treat every Dolphins game like it's an international game. I just keep things simple so I don't have 10 different things on my mind when I am bowling."

If I do play, I know Newlands is not like Centurion but it is a coastal wicket so it will have something for the seamers. I will just be very patient and make bloody sure batsmen will have to work hard to get a run off me.

Kyle Abbott

Those same things have taken Abbott to the top of the current first-class competition wicket-takers list. He has 22 wickets at 13.09 - including 12 for 125 in the last match the Dolphins played, against the Cobras in Paarl last weekend, in a match where his swing bowling came to the fore. Abbott has a better first-class record at Newlands (16 wickets at 12.43) than Kleinveldt (57 wickets at 27.45) or McLaren (9 wickets at 33.33) and with his form, that may give him the edge in the match.

If he is picked, Abbott already has plan for his approach in the must-win game. "I've watched a lot of the series on television and it's been everything people expected it to be. The only disappointment is that there aren't two more Tests. It's been great entertainment and it's really got me hungry," he said. "If I do play, I know Newlands is not like Centurion but it is a coastal wicket so it will have something for the seamers. I will just be very patient and make bloody sure batsmen will have to work hard to get a run off me. Whatever movement there is through the air, I will find it. That's my skill," he said.

And if he doesn't play in Cape Town, Abbott knows it won't be the end of the world. He has four more rounds of the first-class competition to play in before heading to Hampshire for the English summer. South Africa have also announced fixtures in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in the next few months and Abbott may find himself with an opportunity to play in those as well.

"I've signed a county deal which is quite exciting but I have clauses that the county have to release me if I get picked for South Africa," he said. "Hampshire know that if I get a call up, I am on the first plane out. Every franchise cricketer wants to play for their country. That's human. You're always trying to get to higher levels."

Not being South African I have never seen Abbott bowl, but with his record (first class bowling average of 22 versus 32 for Parnell) he is pretty clearly one of South Africa's four best bowlers. And his FC batting average is only marginally behind Parnell's.

Using Duminy as the new fifth bowling option to step into Kallis' shoes seems the most sensible option. Duminy's test bowling average is better than Tahir's and comparable with Robin Petersen's.

POSTED BY
punisher601
on | February 26, 2014, 0:26 GMT

Dear S.A selectors, please please please select Abbot. Pretty please with a cherry on top. Keep De Kock and Elgar too and you will have the team to beat all teams for a long time coming. Kind Regards

POSTED BY
SurlyCynic
on | February 25, 2014, 22:42 GMT

@mahjut: So you're dropping Faf from the team? Hmmmm. He's done ok in his test career so far!

POSTED BY
on | February 25, 2014, 21:30 GMT

Abbotts been bowling so beautifully recently. It would be a sin to play Kleinveldt ahead of him. Clear swop for me. Abbot in, Parnell out. Leave the rest of the team as is. Alviro isnt in form but shouldnt be sidelined permanantly. Answers are here selectors. Read and follow them gentleman.

POSTED BY
jimmyvida
on | February 25, 2014, 20:07 GMT

What is this bull I am hearing about leaving out De Kock. So Parnell cannot play, just replace him and don't fool around with a winning team. In fact, this young guy should be blooded for the future.

POSTED BY
Robster1
on | February 25, 2014, 17:15 GMT

Abbott's inclusion again is very welcome, but overdue. How that pie thrower Kleinveldt gets a national contract in front of him is a mystery...

POSTED BY
stormy16
on | February 25, 2014, 16:15 GMT

Finally SA's next best bowler behind the 3 in the test side get the call. SA must stop messing around with half baked alrounders and play the best 4 bowlers along with the 7 batters. SA now have 2 spinners in the top 7 and lets face it, SA is not going to win too many games with spinners so get over it and play the best 4 seamers.

POSTED BY
mahjut
on | February 25, 2014, 16:12 GMT

fielding will be more decisive than selection ... anyone who is picked should do a reasonable job - they're all good cricketers.

A Peterson or QdK (I have my preference but wouldn't balk at either) ...you could have them both and side-line McLaren, which would make sense if you're adding Abbot (seems a good option for Newlands).

AP, GS, HA, DE, AB, JP, VP, KA, MM, DS (then it's a matter of RM or QdK ... I normally wouldn't have considered Elgar but he's fought his way in and if he's willing to wear a few more on the body and accumulate a half century [first innings preferably] in the process then sign him up - quick!

POSTED BY
StJohn
on | February 25, 2014, 13:21 GMT

Not sure why he hasn't played his 2nd Test already, having taken 9 wickets on debut!? Selectorial weirdness has more impact on cricket than the weather.

POSTED BY
on | February 25, 2014, 12:54 GMT

I don't understand why Kleinveldt would be ahead of Abbott! In Australia Kleinveldt was frankly all over the shop, and his batting isn't particularly stellar (FC average of 19 isn't bad and he does have a century, but by no means is he an all-rounder!) Abbott was outstanding in his only test and has been excellent in FC cricket as well! He's surely the 'next man' for SA as far as fast bowlers are concerned.

On a side-note - I think SA would be wise not to try too desperately to find the new Jacques Kallis. I think the example of England (when they were good) is illuminating - when they were trying to find the new Ian Botham they were stuck with a succession of mediocrities and suffered for it. In contrast, after Flintoff retired they sensibly took the approach of having 7 batsmen and 4 bowlers. I think SA should do the same, perhaps with an all seam four man attack, relying on Duminy and Elgar (who can both do a job) for spin support.

POSTED BY
Clavers
on | February 26, 2014, 21:44 GMT

Not being South African I have never seen Abbott bowl, but with his record (first class bowling average of 22 versus 32 for Parnell) he is pretty clearly one of South Africa's four best bowlers. And his FC batting average is only marginally behind Parnell's.

Using Duminy as the new fifth bowling option to step into Kallis' shoes seems the most sensible option. Duminy's test bowling average is better than Tahir's and comparable with Robin Petersen's.

POSTED BY
punisher601
on | February 26, 2014, 0:26 GMT

Dear S.A selectors, please please please select Abbot. Pretty please with a cherry on top. Keep De Kock and Elgar too and you will have the team to beat all teams for a long time coming. Kind Regards

POSTED BY
SurlyCynic
on | February 25, 2014, 22:42 GMT

@mahjut: So you're dropping Faf from the team? Hmmmm. He's done ok in his test career so far!

POSTED BY
on | February 25, 2014, 21:30 GMT

Abbotts been bowling so beautifully recently. It would be a sin to play Kleinveldt ahead of him. Clear swop for me. Abbot in, Parnell out. Leave the rest of the team as is. Alviro isnt in form but shouldnt be sidelined permanantly. Answers are here selectors. Read and follow them gentleman.

POSTED BY
jimmyvida
on | February 25, 2014, 20:07 GMT

What is this bull I am hearing about leaving out De Kock. So Parnell cannot play, just replace him and don't fool around with a winning team. In fact, this young guy should be blooded for the future.

POSTED BY
Robster1
on | February 25, 2014, 17:15 GMT

Abbott's inclusion again is very welcome, but overdue. How that pie thrower Kleinveldt gets a national contract in front of him is a mystery...

POSTED BY
stormy16
on | February 25, 2014, 16:15 GMT

Finally SA's next best bowler behind the 3 in the test side get the call. SA must stop messing around with half baked alrounders and play the best 4 bowlers along with the 7 batters. SA now have 2 spinners in the top 7 and lets face it, SA is not going to win too many games with spinners so get over it and play the best 4 seamers.

POSTED BY
mahjut
on | February 25, 2014, 16:12 GMT

fielding will be more decisive than selection ... anyone who is picked should do a reasonable job - they're all good cricketers.

A Peterson or QdK (I have my preference but wouldn't balk at either) ...you could have them both and side-line McLaren, which would make sense if you're adding Abbot (seems a good option for Newlands).

AP, GS, HA, DE, AB, JP, VP, KA, MM, DS (then it's a matter of RM or QdK ... I normally wouldn't have considered Elgar but he's fought his way in and if he's willing to wear a few more on the body and accumulate a half century [first innings preferably] in the process then sign him up - quick!

POSTED BY
StJohn
on | February 25, 2014, 13:21 GMT

Not sure why he hasn't played his 2nd Test already, having taken 9 wickets on debut!? Selectorial weirdness has more impact on cricket than the weather.

POSTED BY
on | February 25, 2014, 12:54 GMT

I don't understand why Kleinveldt would be ahead of Abbott! In Australia Kleinveldt was frankly all over the shop, and his batting isn't particularly stellar (FC average of 19 isn't bad and he does have a century, but by no means is he an all-rounder!) Abbott was outstanding in his only test and has been excellent in FC cricket as well! He's surely the 'next man' for SA as far as fast bowlers are concerned.

On a side-note - I think SA would be wise not to try too desperately to find the new Jacques Kallis. I think the example of England (when they were good) is illuminating - when they were trying to find the new Ian Botham they were stuck with a succession of mediocrities and suffered for it. In contrast, after Flintoff retired they sensibly took the approach of having 7 batsmen and 4 bowlers. I think SA should do the same, perhaps with an all seam four man attack, relying on Duminy and Elgar (who can both do a job) for spin support.

POSTED BY
on | February 25, 2014, 12:38 GMT

@ Gurudumu: i prefer go proteas but i think we are both on the same side here. let's hope they pick abbott but whatever happens let's hope for a great test match (as long as we win).

POSTED BY
Greatest_Game
on | February 25, 2014, 12:36 GMT

There should be NO pecking order. A "pecking order" describes the feeding habits of chickens. The Proteas are not farmyard animals, & definitely not chickens!

The Proteas squad should be picked on merit, form, & conditions: not from a list who supposedly deserve selection because of a central contract, a high level of skin pigmentation, years hanging around the squad, or <insert favorite worthless excuse here>

Players merit selection on form, record, & venue. We KNEW Hash would be back, his record tells us, & waited it out. Rory MIGHT rise above his record: the chances are slim to nothing. Abbott might implode (like Johnson in SA 2011): his record, form, & 12.43 ave at Newlands make him as good a bet as Hash ... in form.

Kyle's the horse for the Newlands course!

POSTED BY
Gurudumu
on | February 25, 2014, 12:12 GMT

@Chris Campling. You are correct, I should have specified since re-admittance. Yes, SA had great players before the ban - a pity some of them never got the recognition they deserved.
Can't wait for the match to begin & hoping that Steyn, Philander, Morkel and Abbot are selected for this match.
Go SAffers!

POSTED BY
on | February 25, 2014, 11:25 GMT

@ Gurudumu: first time at home? tell that to the teams of 1966-67 and 1970. first time since the arrival of democracy, i'll grant you

POSTED BY
Marktc
on | February 25, 2014, 11:16 GMT

SA want to win this series, so they should play the best and forget about some silly pecking order. You pick your best in form players, bottom line. Peterson Vs De Kock as opener, Peterson will be picked, although I would go for De Kock as I feel he has more chance of coming off with a big score. Bowlers, Steyn, Philander, Morkel and Abbott. Elgar and JP as back up second string spinners do a better job than either of our first choice spinners anyway. I just hope that the SA team are spending lots of time catching balls.......we really need work on that area.

POSTED BY
on | February 25, 2014, 11:04 GMT

mclaren is a good one-day player but not a good enough bowler or batsman to play test cricket. abbott looks like a better bet but our biggest worry for newlands is a spinner. sadly, imran tahir can't be relied on, and is peterson good enough? tell you what - is paul harris still playing? he used to take wickets at newlands, even if he can't turn the ball an inch

POSTED BY
Gurudumu
on | February 25, 2014, 10:27 GMT

Inclusion of Abbot to replace Parnell and dropping of Petersen to be replaced by QDK will mean a walkover for SA. Lets see whether they want to beat Aus for the first time at home or whether politics will dictate the selection criteria. Hopefully sanity will prevail and SA will play their strongest suite.
Go SAffers

POSTED BY
crockit
on | February 25, 2014, 10:19 GMT

I hope that SA learnt from both tests so far that one of the keys to winning tests is not so much how many bowlers one has but how many top quality bowlers. All-rounders are great if they are quality in at least one suit but if they are not then they should not be blocking the place of those who are quality in at least one suit. With no quality front line spinner SA would be well advised to stick with the policy of 2nd test of picking 4 quality pacers - Abbotts performances scream out for him to be the replacement for Parnell

POSTED BY
on | February 25, 2014, 10:00 GMT

I Agree with Lauchlan McCutcheon. That's the best attack for South Africa why pick weaker players. Pick your best attack so you get 20 wickets so you can win. Stay number 1 and beat the rest of the world each and every time you step onto the field.

POSTED BY
PaulJvR
on | February 25, 2014, 9:45 GMT

Hopefully SA have told Robbie P 'So long and thanks for all the the fish', There is no reason for SA to waste a space on him anymore. Four seamers it should always be, hopefully Abbott plays as he has more chance of taking wickets than Adam Sandler lookalike Kleinveldt. Duminy and Elgar are good enough to cover the spin options, interesting to see the lineup batting wise for cape town, is Alviro going to be back in, and at whose expense, who opens if they retain elgar?

POSTED BY
TommytuckerSaffa
on | February 25, 2014, 8:42 GMT

If Abbott plays, its bad news for Aus and great news for us. He will be pumped, plus he gets swing when playing in Cape Town. It will be our best bowling line up we have fielded for sometime.

POSTED BY
Duidelik
on | February 25, 2014, 8:24 GMT

I am not in the country at present, so I have been out of touch with most news. Can anyone tell me the status of Marchant De Lange? Is he still injured/recovered?
Now here is a bowler with serious pace!

POSTED BY
on | February 25, 2014, 8:20 GMT

Exactly my sentiments, with a debut like that why has Abbot been benched or not selected in the first place, or are they doing what Cricket Australia has done to many cricketers, great debuts but they barely get to play again.

POSTED BY
gm_cooper
on | February 25, 2014, 7:46 GMT

@ ToneMalone the weather in PE was good i.e. no rain fell during the day of play

POSTED BY
on | February 25, 2014, 7:43 GMT

I certainly do NOT think Morkel should be dropped for Abbot, that's just crazy. But Abbot should play ahead of Kleinveldt, and babyface ahead of Alviro. everybody knows that. If other players are picked it will be out of loyalty and not form. That's always a selectors worry, giving the right amount of leeway to a player before letting back into domestic cricket to find himself again. It's a fine line.
Steyn, Philander, Morkel & Abbot...any injuries replaced with de Lange. That's an attack. That's a real attack!
Being a Protea fan all my life i really feel as though we are now blessed with more talent than we have ever been. Kids in SA get a sparkle in their eye when you chuck em a ball and it's paying off now.
I just hope the Ozzies don't go the way of England because we love to hate you Ozzies, but we DO love you guys and you're the one team that always makes us sit up and pay attention regardless. You're in good hands with Pup now though, long may it continue.

POSTED BY
philvic
on | February 25, 2014, 7:10 GMT

if abbott does play ahead of kleinveldt it does make one wonder what kleinveldt was doing in the squad in the first place. They are not going to drop Elgar after he took his opportunity so I guess it is De Kock v Peterson - both are good in different ways but I guess that Peterson will get the nod, especially after that fantastic throw. De Kock didnt do enough in PE to cement his place but he is certainly one for the future.

POSTED BY
AltafPatel
on | February 25, 2014, 7:02 GMT

Anticipated inclusion of Abbott. He made remarkable debut in only test appearance and had excellent domestic season.

POSTED BY
RichardStone
on | February 25, 2014, 6:05 GMT

Go Kyle Abbott!!!!! Zululand is once again a buzz with anticipation to you bagging a handful of wickets!!! We all hope that you will get your well derserved shot (again). One thing I must say is that you are so humble, and your patience will be rewarded sir.

POSTED BY
SHER-A-PANJAB
on | February 25, 2014, 4:59 GMT

Morne Morkell should be dropped ,and Kyle Abbott or B. Hendricks must be given chance to play ,,,,,,,in third test . Good Luck.

POSTED BY
cricket_ahan
on | February 25, 2014, 1:29 GMT

Abbott has more pace and bounce than mclaren and I think that is something that will trouble the Australian players more. Given he is in ripping form as well is another reason to give him a go for the third test. If the pitch turns, SaF will get good value from Duminy and Elgar. That's a pretty formidable attack to contend with, and one able to take 20 wickets whilst still providing plenty of batting depth. Aussies look out.

POSTED BY
on | February 25, 2014, 0:13 GMT

Rory should not be in the squad ahead of even De Lange anyway. Rory's record against Australia is pathetic. Abbott has 179 wickets at 21 in first class cricket, a 9 for 78 in the only test match he has played---Christ Almighty, why isn't he in the XI already? Also, De Kock is far superior to Alviro. Alviro's and McLaren's fitness should be irrelevant, De Kock and Abbott should play.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2014, 22:56 GMT

Abbott should play get your best bowlers and that's it! You need 20 wickets to win a match and it's the final match winner takes it all. Kleinveldt is crap and not even a quarter of the bowler Abbott is. Abbott's the man and he should be in the playing 11 every match. Selector's should understand it doesn't matter if your black or white get your best player's. Half the team is black & white anyway so why worry. Where all human beings we all are the same in the end we all die.

POSTED BY
ToneMalone
on | February 24, 2014, 22:01 GMT

A Sydney-sider's question to someone in the PE region ... any news on whether the weather would've allowed play on day 5 in the second Test? Weather sites suggested some storms took place but also some clearer periods, so hard to tell. So much seemed to hinge on it, would be curious to know whether Australia surviving day 4 would've made the difference.

POSTED BY
Greatest_Game
on | February 24, 2014, 21:39 GMT

There should be NO pecking order. A "pecking order" describes the feeding habits of chickens. The Proteas are not farmyard animals, & definitely not chickens!

The Proteas squad should be picked on merit, form, & conditions: not from a list who supposedly deserve selection because of a central contract, a high level of skin pigmentation, years hanging around the squad, or <insert favorite worthless excuse here>

Players merit selection on form, record, & venue. We KNEW Hash would be back, his record tells us, & waited it out. Rory MIGHT rise above his record: the chances are slim to nothing. Abbott might implode (like Johnson in SA 2011): his record, form, & 12.43 ave at Newlands make him as good a bet as Hash ... in form.

Kyle's the horse for the Newlands course!

POSTED BY
Robeli
on | February 24, 2014, 20:10 GMT

If SA can field Steyn, Philander, Morkel and Abbott for the next few years...... it will be compared to WI's Garner, Roberts, Holding, Croft, Marshall. Oh my, that will be mouth watering!!!!

POSTED BY
Beertjie
on | February 24, 2014, 19:56 GMT

@Eskimo on (February 24, 2014, 16:37 GMT), close but no cigar, imho. The last team to beat Oz in SAF ('70): Procter, Pollock, Trimborne, Goddard, Barlow.

POSTED BY
StaalBurgher
on | February 24, 2014, 19:55 GMT

@Nabeel Ahmed - They remodeled de Lange's bowling action to save his back from future injuries but he has not regained his previous form. Hopefully he will in the future.

POSTED BY
TommytuckerSaffa
on | February 24, 2014, 19:12 GMT

Will Abbott play? If the selectors weren't going to select him for Newlands, then why call him up...mmmm. They called up De Kock and drafted him straight in but there was no other batter. In this case there is Kleinveld, who is half the bowler Abbott is. Maybe management has permission to leave political selections out for this last test match and go with people on merit. Lets hope so.

If Abbott plays, SA will finally be fielding its strongest pace Attack for the first time in this Series. This guy is a serious handful, very economical and our most successful domestic bowler. 4 prong pace attack of Steyn, Vern, Morkel and Abbott. Yes Please!!

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2014, 17:18 GMT

We HAVE to play the best combination this time around. I would have strongly favoured Beulan Hendricks at Newlands (Horses for courses, but I understand he is injured). I saw Abbott at Centurion last year and he bowled quite briskly against Pakistan. He also looked solid as a batsman, but did throw his wicket away unnecessarily. Would be a good combination with Steyn, Philander and Morkel. But PLEASE people: Make sure that all four are fully fully match fit. Philander started under an injury cloud and could have broken down if we had bowled first. Imagine what would have happened with Parnell's injury later on. You simply cannot compete in test cricket without 4 frontline bowlers and an allrounder which JP Duminy is now.So there must be 7 frontline batsmen and 4 frontline bowlers with one batsman also bowling at least 10 overs per day.

POSTED BY
StaalBurgher
on | February 24, 2014, 17:11 GMT

Abbott is so much better than Kleinveldt. Kleinveldt, like Alviro Petersen, had a decent 2 year stretch where they over performed relative to their talents. Because of politics this has permanently ensconced them in the Proteas squad. All you have to do is look at their domestic records. Alviro 39 with the bat and Kleinveldt 29/60 with the ball. Good but pretty average. And given that there are others who have much better records there presence in the Proteas squad makes absolutely no sense, I mean, other than handing out a paycheck to a BEE candidate.

POSTED BY
Greatest_Game
on | February 24, 2014, 17:10 GMT

@ aeroboy.ae. Apparently Beuran is injured. He IS the left arm option, no question there. Beuras was picked for the World T20, so his path to the test & ODI squad will be quick if he performs in the T20s. He all the right credentials. I think he and Abbott are the future. de Lange is a long shot at this point.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2014, 17:05 GMT

Have to appreciate the depth of SA cricket because with the kind of selection blunders they keep on making, they have still been the number 1 team for a long time. Abbot definitely sounds a little frustrated, comes in to play a test, bowls an opposition away with 7 wickets for nothing, keeps getting wickets in FC cricket, but finds no place in SA team as well the national contracts. Talk about motivation. Rory might be a good bowler, but is he better than Abbot now? Abott should definitely be after Steyn, Philander and Morkel in the pecking order. I remember Tahir performed exceptionally well in ODI's in the WC, and then for some reason did not get a match in short forms for 2 years. When given another opportunity, he showed what SA was missing in an attacking spinner in the short forms (admittedly he has not done well in long form). I remember Botha had started doing extremely well and suddenly he was shunned and so was Albie!! Definitely some politics plays part in selections!!

POSTED BY
Greatest_Game
on | February 24, 2014, 17:04 GMT

YES YES YES!!!!!!! Big big relief that at least he is in the squad.

But, will we escape the Rory threat? Will the selectors be bold enough to play Kyle ahead of Rory? We all know that he SHOULD play, but we all know our selection criteria defy human understanding at times! We last beat Aus at home in 1970. Hopefully, the chance of a first home series win in 44 years trumps quotas, and common sense rears its ugly head in the selection discussions. Oh, such small and sensible hopes we have. Nothing grand, just play the proven form players, please. That means de Kock stays in the team too!

I might have preferred Beuran Hendricks as he gives the lefty option, but as he is injured Kyle is the only other man for the job. Both should be in the SA squad!!!

I'm am looking forward to seeing Beuran in he World T20. Hope he is over his injury & firing on all cylinders, and cements a place that his recent 20/20 form suggests he would keep for some time.

POSTED BY
Eskimo
on | February 24, 2014, 16:37 GMT

Steyn, Philander, Morkel and Abbott. If they all play this might just be the best seam bowling attack SA have ever fielded. No jokes.

At least if the Aussies still make runs then I can sleep peacefully knowing there is no seam bowling attack in the world that could have changed that.

Watson in for Doolan? And Clarke to make a 100.

POSTED BY
aeroboy.ae
on | February 24, 2014, 16:13 GMT

as Abott is for Parny's replacement, it should be replaced by any left arm fast bowler, i guess Beuran Hendricks has done impressive enough to deserve a call as the replacement of a left handed pacer.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2014, 16:07 GMT

When Charl Langevelt realised he had been picked as a BEE player, he did the most dignified thing and withdrew from that team. I think kleinveld is a fantastic team man like morkel and can contribute 4 or 5 wickets in a match but abbot and hendriks are match winners, in the class of a steyn or philender and abbot should play, just let the boy play please! look what happened when Elgar played at the top where he should play. the way Elgar played johnson gave confidence to his team mates and we won the test. Smith and Pietersen are a bit of a walking wicket against this Aussie attack so we need to ensure we bowl them out cheaply aswell.

POSTED BY
Vaughanographic
on | February 24, 2014, 15:46 GMT

Marchant is injured and the few games he has played in the last few months have not been outstanding at all. Well done Mr Abbott. I wonder if Hendricks would have made the squad if he hadn't got injured but very happy for players to be picked on form. Abbott MUST play ahead of Kleinveldt.
A) Abbott is in form, 12 wickets last weekend is clear evidence
B) Although Kleinveldt is quicker, Abbott is far more consistent, Kleinveldt has been known to leak runs big time on his off days. Plus Abbot can really boomerang the ball
C) Abbot (like Kleinveldt) is pretty handy with the bat too.

Give Newlands a good green pitch and Philander and Abbot could win the game by themselves (imagine both of them bowling in tandem)

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2014, 14:29 GMT

Where is Marchant de Lange ?? He is A good Fast Blower and Young ..
South Africa Should Recalled Him

POSTED BY
GraemeSA
on | February 24, 2014, 14:27 GMT

Tsolekile will never get picked now - it was only an option before Kallis retired as the team's balance is affected. Kleinveldt should never have been ahead of Abbott to start with.

POSTED BY
Biohazard7279
on | February 24, 2014, 14:15 GMT

With the call ups of De Kock and Abbott it is obvious that Tsolekile and Kleinveldt are in the squad due to political reasons. There are several better players than them outside of the squad and I think South Africa will do way better fielding De Kock and Abbott

POSTED BY
android_user
on | February 24, 2014, 12:56 GMT

Why are the players in the squad not released to play for their franchises if they are not in the starting 11.

Now you have a situation where Abott took 12 wickets this weekend and Kleinveldt was bowling in the nets. Kleinveldt should play on paper but who is match fit and in form? Abbott obviously.

Surely it is a win win situation if the players are playing 4 day cricket than sitting around in the squad. Players will play and their form can be assessed while the franchises will also have a stronger team and that way the 1st class competition is more competitive.

Both Abbot and Kleinveldt will have every reason to be dissappointed if they do not get selected.

What form is Kleinveldt in? What form is Abbot in? Well, the numbers clearly point in Abbot's direction. But Kleinveldt was bowling in the SA team's nets...is that any way to assess a player's form? It is in no way Kleinveldt's fault but that of the people who make the decisions.

Both these players are world class.

POSTED BY
uncanny
on | February 24, 2014, 12:50 GMT

Now SA is looking like the team as i mentioned for last test :) Finally even abott comes in. so the team becomes: smith, elger, amla, faf, ab, de cock, duminy, abott, philander, steyn, morkel :) Faf seems to be easing up in 4th slot....

POSTED BY
creebo777
on | February 24, 2014, 12:23 GMT

Why would they call him up if hes not gona play? And why would they pick him ahead of kleinveldt when kleinveldt has a contract and he not??? Well he should play at newlands

POSTED BY
djdrastic
on | February 24, 2014, 12:14 GMT

Please just some good common sense selections . Abbotts selection should be a no brainer.

POSTED BY
SurlyCynic
on | February 24, 2014, 12:04 GMT

It's amazing that Kleinveldt is ahead of him 'in the queue' and even has a national contract. Kleinveldt averages over 40 per wicket in test cricket, has usually been disappointing in tests and has a first class average of 29.

Abbott has a FC average of 21 and took nine wickets against Pakistan in his only test. Baffling.

My guess is Kleinveldt will still play ahead of him at Newlands which is a disgrace. Pity Parnell got injured as the left arm variation and pace made for a superb 4 prong pace attack.

POSTED BY
gimme-a-greentop
on | February 24, 2014, 11:50 GMT

SA absolutely have to keep that balance of 7 batsmen and 4 front-line seam bowlers. McLaren at 7 was a bit ambitious. Even though he is the most deserving as an out and out bowler, it seems unlikely Abbott will play. You would think they would go with Kleinveldt or McLaren, as they were original selections. Confusing. Why not just play the best 4th bowler, regardless of wether he can bat a bit or not?

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2014, 11:43 GMT

Great news - should have been in from the beginning. All the Best Kyle. Should also be in the World T20 team!

POSTED BY
ahmed018
on | February 24, 2014, 11:42 GMT

i just hope they choose abbott instead of kleinvelt

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2014, 11:38 GMT

Good grief it's been a long time (second) coming for Kyle Abbott; he's had to wait for people like Rory Kleinveldt to show what they do or don't have.

Hopefully they persist with Quinton and eventually AB cedes the gloves to him. Surely must be political reasons keeping Thami in the squad?? You already have 2 w/k there.

POSTED BY
11_Warrior
on | February 24, 2014, 11:36 GMT

16 member squad in a Match played at your home?

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2014, 11:09 GMT

Why keep Peterson and Tsolekile in the squad? There is no scenario that sees them playing. Release them to play domestic and build a case for eventual re-selection.

POSTED BY
MrGarreth
on | February 24, 2014, 11:09 GMT

(Bad pun alert) It was Abbott time!

Got 12 wickets in the FC game that ended yesterday just reaffirming that he should never have been left out of the SA team in the first place. Have at 'em Kyle!

POSTED BY
crashed
on | February 24, 2014, 11:06 GMT

Lol good for Abbot I remember that game .... and although I am surprised I thought a Cobra would have filled the shoes for home ground reasons ... I am actually glad Abbot got the call up as he do deserve the call up . .GO PROTEAS

POSTED BY
ninjapintu
on | February 24, 2014, 11:00 GMT

I have heard a lot about this guy. Let's hope they play him

No featured comments at the moment.

POSTED BY
ninjapintu
on | February 24, 2014, 11:00 GMT

I have heard a lot about this guy. Let's hope they play him

POSTED BY
crashed
on | February 24, 2014, 11:06 GMT

Lol good for Abbot I remember that game .... and although I am surprised I thought a Cobra would have filled the shoes for home ground reasons ... I am actually glad Abbot got the call up as he do deserve the call up . .GO PROTEAS

POSTED BY
MrGarreth
on | February 24, 2014, 11:09 GMT

(Bad pun alert) It was Abbott time!

Got 12 wickets in the FC game that ended yesterday just reaffirming that he should never have been left out of the SA team in the first place. Have at 'em Kyle!

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2014, 11:09 GMT

Why keep Peterson and Tsolekile in the squad? There is no scenario that sees them playing. Release them to play domestic and build a case for eventual re-selection.

POSTED BY
11_Warrior
on | February 24, 2014, 11:36 GMT

16 member squad in a Match played at your home?

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2014, 11:38 GMT

Good grief it's been a long time (second) coming for Kyle Abbott; he's had to wait for people like Rory Kleinveldt to show what they do or don't have.

Hopefully they persist with Quinton and eventually AB cedes the gloves to him. Surely must be political reasons keeping Thami in the squad?? You already have 2 w/k there.

POSTED BY
ahmed018
on | February 24, 2014, 11:42 GMT

i just hope they choose abbott instead of kleinvelt

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2014, 11:43 GMT

Great news - should have been in from the beginning. All the Best Kyle. Should also be in the World T20 team!

POSTED BY
gimme-a-greentop
on | February 24, 2014, 11:50 GMT

SA absolutely have to keep that balance of 7 batsmen and 4 front-line seam bowlers. McLaren at 7 was a bit ambitious. Even though he is the most deserving as an out and out bowler, it seems unlikely Abbott will play. You would think they would go with Kleinveldt or McLaren, as they were original selections. Confusing. Why not just play the best 4th bowler, regardless of wether he can bat a bit or not?

POSTED BY
SurlyCynic
on | February 24, 2014, 12:04 GMT

It's amazing that Kleinveldt is ahead of him 'in the queue' and even has a national contract. Kleinveldt averages over 40 per wicket in test cricket, has usually been disappointing in tests and has a first class average of 29.

Abbott has a FC average of 21 and took nine wickets against Pakistan in his only test. Baffling.

My guess is Kleinveldt will still play ahead of him at Newlands which is a disgrace. Pity Parnell got injured as the left arm variation and pace made for a superb 4 prong pace attack.